“I have always said that correct identification of a problem leads to the correct solutions. Brillantes’ long career in election law has given him extensive on-the-ground expertise, not just of the law, but also of the systems and processes that govern our electoral exercises,” the President said in a statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing in Malacanang Monday.

The President appointed Brillantes, a veteran election lawyer, last Jan. 15 to serve out the unexpired term of former Comelec Chairman Jose Melo, who resigned on the same date.

The Chief Executive stressed that Brillantes’ extensive knowledge of the law and experience as election lawyer is what the country needs to initiate electoral reforms.

“We need someone with practical knowledge and not just theoretical understanding of election law, and an intensive knowledge of the bureaucracy, who could hit the ground running.

“We need someone who understands, and can fix, the defects in the system: nuisance candidates who end up disqualified late in the day, leaving too little time to inform the Board of Election Inspectors," the President said.

He added that Brillantes’ main task is to ensure that there will be an orderly and credible election in 2013.

Manila Bulletin